ADHD Treatments For Adults
Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are the first option that doctors recommend. They aid in balancing levels of two chemical messengers within the brain. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine, (Strattera), can also reduce symptoms, but they do so slower.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults acquire strategies to improve their organization and planning. Psychotherapy and coaching are also able to improve social functioning.
Medications
You can take medications to treat ADHD symptoms. Some people might discover that they improve by changing their diet or taking supplements, but these should only be utilized under a doctor's guidance. Other treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy (CBT), and counseling for families. Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to stay on their medication. They should consult their doctor and request assistance. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter, while others require the prescription of a doctor.
Most ADHD medications are based on increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This reduces impulsivity and improves concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others. They are thought to be the most effective in ADHD treatment, however they do have side effects. Some of these side effects could be severe, like cardiovascular problems. In addition, stimulants can cause the tics of blinking eyes or throat clearing. These medications can also slow growth in children and adolescents by just a few months.
Nonstimulant medicines are prescribed for people who have uncontrollable adverse effects from stimulants or are at risk of developing heart problems. These are mostly dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These medications are not as effective as stimulants however they are safe and don't contain the potential for abuse that certain people experience when taking stimulant medication.
You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by adhering to a schedule, creating and adhering to an exact budget, enhancing your organization skills, understanding about your disorder and creating strategies to address your symptoms. It is recommended to talk with an expert to learn the best method to manage your disorder, and you will find plenty of helpful resources on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association website.
Your ADHD symptoms can strain your relationships. You can improve your relationships by speaking with a therapist and taking classes in conflict resolution. You can improve your relationships with your spouse or co-workers by having them understand your ADHD and by making them aware that your behavior isn't malicious.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can have significant social, emotional and occupational consequences for occupational, emotional and social. This can lead to lower academic achievement and higher rates of job failure and transfer, poor work performance as well as a higher number of car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer and co. 2007). Comorbidity of depression, anxiety and substance abuse are common among adults with ADHD. Patients with multiple conditions may be less responsive to stimulant medications (Barkley and Gordon 2002).
A thorough history of the patient is crucial, as a variety of medical conditions can have symptoms similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients with developmental disorders, seizure disorders, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning should be careful to be evaluated. Treatment with stimulants is not recommended in those who abuse drugs or those suffering from certain medical conditions, like heart disease and high blood pressure arrhythmias and tachycardia (Greenhill 2001).).
Psychosocial therapy for adults suffering from ADHD includes psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. Psychoeducation is the process of teaching patients about their disorder, including its effects on various aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem among patients who typically are stigmatized, for example, being viewed as inept or unintelligent.
Behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD is designed to teach patients better ways of organizing their time and work, improving their organizational skills. This can help to reduce the risk of not attending appointments or making impulsive decisions that can cause issues at work, school or in their private lives. This type of therapy can aid in improving the effectiveness of one's interactions with spouses, children and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD is designed to help people change their negative behaviors. This type of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the performance of those suffering from ADHD especially when coupled with psychoeducation and family therapy. Educating patients and their close friends about ADHD can reduce the frequency of blaming one another for problems caused by the person's inability to control his or her own behaviors. Classes that teach couples and families how to communicate better and resolve conflicts could be helpful.
Counseling
A good treatment plan for ADHD will tackle the symptoms and their impact on family, work and school. It will include non-stimulant and stimulant medications as in addition to psychosocial treatment, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change the way they think about their behavior. It also helps patients learn to manage their symptoms and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They have been around for a long period of time, and there are many types of medications, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The two most popular stimulants are dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, which are available under a variety of brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Other drugs used to treat ADHD are atomoxetine. It helps by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain that transmits messages between brain cells and viloxazine which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are both used to treat ADHD in adults, since they have a more gradual start than stimulants. They are also available to people who can't take stimulants due to other health problems or who experience serious side effects.
It's important to note that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD So the severity and presence of any other conditions must be considered when making the ADHD diagnosis. It's important to eliminate physical causes of the symptoms, including thyroid disorders or hearing and sight problems.
Some patients may also be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by making changes to their diet. It's important to consult with a doctor prior to eliminating any food. This could result in nutritional deficiencies and should be done under the guidance of a dietician or doctor. Counseling can help patients deal with their symptoms, and also improve their relationships with their families. Counseling can also help spouses realize that the patient's actions are not necessarily a sign of lack of love or willful misconduct.
Education
The diagnosis of ADHD can be confusing for both the patient and the doctor. It's not uncommon for different mental health disorders to coexist with the disorder, and certain medications and medical conditions can cause symptoms that resemble the symptoms of ADHD.
Many of these problems can be solved with treatments or lifestyle modifications. A person suffering from ADHD might benefit from taking supplements or changing their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy will teach him how to resist distractions, impulsiveness and increase his focus. treatment of add in adults might suggest cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy or mindfulness meditation, both of which can aid in regulating emotions and increase concentration.
A complete history of symptoms is important, as is a physical exam. A physician can also test for sleep apnea as well as other disorders like issues with vision and hearing, thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol abuse and lead poisoning. These assessments can help to determine the presence of a underlying disorder but also help reduce or eliminate the effects of other disorders that may contribute to ADHD-like behaviors.
Most often, stimulants are prescribed by physicians for ADHD. These include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Other non-stimulant drugs include clonidine as well as Guanfacine. These blood pressure medications can reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity, but they can take longer to work and may cause adverse effects like constipation, heartburn, and low sex desire.
People with ADHD often have trouble keeping appointments or are late for work, and make irrational choices which can strain the patience of even the most tolerant family members and friends. Couples therapy and classes that focus on improving communication skills can help sufferers develop stable relationships.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction can all play a part in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have discovered that cutting out certain foods or taking supplements can help them, however it's vital to talk to a doctor before trying these methods. If you try this without consulting with a physician, it could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.